We're sitting waiting for ME to head to the airport. That's it, our trip has come to an end! Best trip so far!!

The BB offer is valid at the at value resorts with free QSDP but the LM rooms are excluded so for now I ended up booking POR with free DDP but we can always change when i get home. I'm not sure between POR and POFQ.
It's such a great feeling to know that we will be coming back in less than a year. It makes going home slightly easier.

We just had dinner at CRT last night and it really is worth it. I have 2 boys and they loved being able to go into the castle. You pay for the experience and not the food although the food was pretty good too.

Yesterday we saw Jasmine, Ariel, Snow white and Aurora and we took our pic with Cinderella downstairs before heading up to the restaurant. I think there's no guarantee who will be there.

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You just made me feel so much better!! Just called DH and told him what you guys said and we're really excited now! Going to the costume store shortly to get DD a dress to wear!!!! Now we'll also need to get her an autograph book for that and Chef Mickey's!! I think she's going to be thrilled!!!! Thanks again!

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I'm SO excited! I was just able to get a reservation at CRT!!! I have been stalking the reservations every day and it finally paid off! lol We are surprising my daughter, she will be extatic!!!!! However, please tell me if i'm nuts for spending THAT much money just to meet princesses?!!! I almost fell over when the total price came up! What do you guys think? Worth it?? Anyone ever have dinner there? I know it's an amazing experience for the kids and that's my only rational thought in this process lol Thanks!

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So worth it... If you're nuts, I'm right there with you. Did CRT for pre-park opening breakfast last January. DS3 and DD5 still talk about it. Loved it so much we've already booked another for our trip in the spring. We love Akershus too though, especially for dinner since we think the food is deliciously different. And we have the best pics of the kids with Belle. Enjoy!

We just got back late last night from our anniversary trip. We had such a nice time. Our room location at AKL was the best we could have asked for. So close to the restaurants, buses, lobby. We were set. We had wonderful anniversary dinners at Jiko and Narcoossee's. Our meal at Narcoossee's was by far our best meal of the trip. We had the best server, Rita, who brought us dessert at the end on the house. Such a cute special touch. We really had a relaxing time. Although I enjoy all our Disney vacations, this one, was the most relaxing. I have never said a Disney vacation was relaxing before. Lol. Fun, but usually not relaxing.

We were able to get everything done that we wanted to do, but didn't get to see the new Fantasyland. Oh well, I guess we just have to go back at some point sooner rather than later.

Narcoossee's was a great meal when we did it for our honeymoon 2 years ago too.

Did you do any of the late night parties (MNSSHP)?

Glad you had a great trip. I will see you all when we get back next week!

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We didn't do MNSSHP this year. We did last September when the kids went with us, but wanted to spend our time do other things we haven't really had a chance to do with the kids. So we went to MK the last day of MNSSHP and then hopped over to Epcot for dinner and to enjoy some of Food and Wine that night.

So worth it... If you're nuts, I'm right there with you. Did CRT for pre-park opening breakfast last January. DS3 and DD5 still talk about it. Loved it so much we've already booked another for our trip in the spring. We love Akershus too though, especially for dinner since we think the food is deliciously different. And we have the best pics of the kids with Belle. Enjoy!

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Lol I'm cracking up! But I'm happy to hear your kids loved it! I think just being able to go inside the castle is such a great experience for them! I can't wait to see the look on her face when we go in! I think I'm just as excited!! lol

Reading the posts from this thread rely brightened my spirits. We are leaving in 2 days and should excited but we are going into day 7 without power since we were affected from the hurricane. My DH is a fire fighter and Red Cross Volunteer whom I haven't seen for days. I packed my two girls and myself today. But, I feel my heart is not in it. I hope we can leave all this behind when we hop on the plane Tues. and whatever we forgot, we can buy. It has really been one hell of a week and trying to think good and warm thoughts.

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Sorry things have been so hard on your family. I hope you all have a wonderful time in Disney.

Having a "scavenger hunt" tomorrow night to tell the 4 grandchildren they're all going to Disney World in less than 2 weeks! We've all had a hard time keeping the surprise (since April). Can't wait to see their faces and reactions (got the cam-corder charged and ready). There will be 9 of us in total. Got our Disney pins (ebay) yesterday and the Photo Pass plus (now only $149) on the way. Staying at Bonnet Creek (new owners -ebay). First time for spending Thanksgiving at Disney, have been there several other times for the Holidays, was there in Magic Kingdom for New Years 2000 (yes it was nuts) and even proposed to my now wife at midnight at the Castle then. Only wish my son-in-law could be there... passed away in late August... he has been and will be missed.

4 more sleeps until we fly out! I'm about 1/3 packed. Just have to finish the mounds of laundry, pack the last few bags and pick up some groceries for our nephew who will be hou /dog sitting while we're gone.

All the Halloween decorations are already down at MK and they are starting to put stuff up for Christmas tonight is what a CM told us. All the lights at Hollywood are already up and the tree in front is up too. Got a Photopass with the tree this morning.

We are on our way on Thursday!!! Yippee! And my goodie bags are there (phew...) and conceirage will set them up to look like they are from Mickey. Still have to buy meal plan tho and park tickets... Has anyone gone to Costco in Orlando before? How far is it from wdw?

I'm starting to think we've forgotten something as we get closer. We're getting ready for a birthday party on Saturday and then Thanksgiving on Sunday. Then it's a couple of days of work and we're off to Disney!

A couple of cool updates though. When I was in Vegas I got a nice nylon drawstring bag/backpack that will be great for in the parks. Actually, I got two of them. They say IBM, but I don't think that matters.

Another cool thing is that we've learned that the school will totally play along with our surprise and will help us to spring the secret on the girls. So instead of picking up DD1 from school and just heading out we're going to have her called down to the office a few minutes before school lets out and the secretary will film us telling the girls that we're going to Disney! I know that because of our stories that we've been telling the girls they will be a little apprehensive at first, but I think in the end they are going to be very excited.

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Thats really great they are going to video it for you. They are going to be so excited!

Today we were at MK and it was such a magical day with a magical ending. Both kids did the Pirate's League and we had dinner at CRT. After Wishes we were able to enter the new FLE with some pixie dust from a CM. We rode the LM ride twice which was awesome.
The only thing was that MK was REALLY crowded today. It was not a recommended park but I didn't listen. However, yesterday DHS was also very crowded even though it was the recommended park. I think i prefer the end of August crowds but the weather now is so much nicer. Crowds have been pretty crazy this week
I'm thinking of booking the FD BB offer for next August before we check out tomorrow. I just have to figure out which resort we want, either AoA again or POFQ. Any recommendations?

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So cool you all got to see the new fantasyland. Sounds like a wondeful trip.

We are down to single digits today!!!! I can't believe we leave next week! I feel like I have been waiting for years!!!! Just can't wait to be in sunny Florida again!! Are you guys all starting to feel excited yet?!?! Anyone else in single digits? Enjoy!!

I'm SO excited! I was just able to get a reservation at CRT!!! I have been stalking the reservations every day and it finally paid off! lol We are surprising my daughter, she will be extatic!!!!! However, please tell me if i'm nuts for spending THAT much money just to meet princesses?!!! I almost fell over when the total price came up! What do you guys think? Worth it?? Anyone ever have dinner there? I know it's an amazing experience for the kids and that's my only rational thought in this process lol Thanks!

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So glad you didn't give up. You all will have a great time. We have been for lunch twice and both times it was so worth it. The memories are awesome.

We just got back late last night from our anniversary trip. We had such a nice time. Our room location at AKL was the best we could have asked for. So close to the restaurants, buses, lobby. We were set. We had wonderful anniversary dinners at Jiko and Narcoossee's. Our meal at Narcoossee's was by far our best meal of the trip. We had the best server, Rita, who brought us dessert at the end on the house. Such a cute special touch. We really had a relaxing time. Although I enjoy all our Disney vacations, this one, was the most relaxing. I have never said a Disney vacation was relaxing before. Lol. Fun, but usually not relaxing.

We were able to get everything done that we wanted to do, but didn't get to see the new Fantasyland. Oh well, I guess we just have to go back at some point sooner rather than later.

Hey, to pass the time for those of us who still have a bit to go, how about telling us what your favorite ride is in each park? If you can narrow it down to just one! For me, it's almost impossible to pick just one, but here goes:

We just got back late last night from our anniversary trip. We had such a nice time. Our room location at AKL was the best we could have asked for. So close to the restaurants, buses, lobby. We were set. We had wonderful anniversary dinners at Jiko and Narcoossee's. Our meal at Narcoossee's was by far our best meal of the trip. We had the best server, Rita, who brought us dessert at the end on the house. Such a cute special touch. We really had a relaxing time. Although I enjoy all our Disney vacations, this one, was the most relaxing. I have never said a Disney vacation was relaxing before. Lol. Fun, but usually not relaxing.

We were able to get everything done that we wanted to do, but didn't get to see the new Fantasyland. Oh well, I guess we just have to go back at some point sooner rather than later.

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Welcome back! Sounds like your room location was awesome and that your anniversary was celebrated in style! Glad you were able to relax a bit and see Disney at a little slower pace. Too bad about FLE, but as you say, that just makes it imperative that you plan another trip. Soon.

Just a week from today and we will be at the airport right at this moment, yay!! Will be incredibly busy with work trying to get as much done as I can since I will be gone for a full 2 weeks- I will be soooooo ready for this vacation. Seeing some of our early folks already back is kind of sad but seems as though they had some amazing times!! Really looking forward to ours next week. All the months of planning and preparing will be so worth it- I can't wait to see the expression on our girls faces when we tell them we are not staying in the FQ but in the Royal Guest Room at POR- it will be priceless!! Then the 2nd surprise is a family carraige ride around th resort--I sure hope they like that one too!! Gotta go so much work to do today, take care all!!

Good morning everyone!!!!!! 18 days!!!!!! WOOHOO!!!! I cant pack this weekend due to soooo much stuff that is scheduled. I cant wait! Its coming fast now! I thought for sure the days would drag but nope!

Good morning everyone!!!!!! 18 days!!!!!! WOOHOO!!!! I cant pack this weekend due to soooo much stuff that is scheduled. I cant wait! Its coming fast now! I thought for sure the days would drag but nope!

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I'm glad they aren't dragging for you. They sure are for me. I'm only 16 days away. But its been 16 days FOR E V E R!!

In discussions with the school about our surprise plan they told us we'd have to do it about an hour earlier than planned, which is fine with me except that it kind of messes with our time table some.

Here's the breakdown of how I had planned it originally. We'll pick up DD1 from school at 3pm and leave straight from there. The drive is approximately 20 hours plus we'll lose an hour for the time change. This would get us at AoA at noon on Saturday. The hope would be that we could check in and get our room keys, drop off our stuff and then nap and/or hang by the pool. If we were feeling particularly jaunty I might spring for the extra ticket day and head off to one of the parks. Considering that it will be before the 3pm check in time I'm not sure if our room will be ready yet, which means no place to nap.

With the change in plans we'll be picking her up at 2pm and leaving from there, which puts us arriving at 11am. I'm thinking that the likelihood that we'll be able to check in that early is slim and that our room would be available even slimmer. Considering that it is lunch time we might just head off to town and grab lunch someplace if we can't check in though.

There is always the thought of not leaving straight from school or by grabbing a hotel in Pensacola or something along the way, but I don't like those ideas.

As for my favorite rides and such from each of the parks...

MK - Buzz Lightyear and Splash Mountain
DHS - Movie Ride and Star Tours (Haven't done TSM yet)
Epcot - Don't really have one. Haven't done Soarin at Epcot but did it at DLP so that would have to be it. TT has been down each time I've been before.
AK - I love the safari ride. I forget what it's called but getting up close to the animals is pretty amazing.

We are back home after a lovely 6 days at the Happiest Place on the Planet!! Had a great time- some observations:

* It was definitely busier than 2 years ago- we didn't have to wait in really long queues because of FP and planning, but there were some long standby times out there and PLENTY of crowds!

* Teens really alter the commando plans! We didn't make a rope drop at all (came close a few days, but never before 9), took afternoon swim/ogle cute boys breaks every day, and took advantage of hopping to maximize late nights. Had fun, but really needed those FPs- planning which day to visit which park became important, too.

* Teenage girls will stop in EVERY STINKIN' GIFT SHOP IN ALL OF DISNEYWORLD!!! I don't want to shop ever again...

* Weather was gorgeous- highs of around 80 every day, lows of around 60. Sunny and breezy. There was a slight sprinkling of rain yeaterday morning, but otherwise, perfect November weather.

* Enjoyed All Star Music resort. Pool was nice, food court convenient and good food. CMs were all friendly and service was great. Would definitely stay there again. Buses were pretty convenient, although the loooong walk to the far-flung All Stars stops at the end of a long day was a little daunting.

* We didn't get to see the FLE at all, but it didn't ruin the trip for us. We'll just have to plan another one in 2014 so we can experience it when it is all complete.